At 1100 AM EDT, the eye of Hurricane Matthew was located in the Gulf of Gonave near latitude 18.9 North, longitude 74.3 West. Matthew is moving toward the north near 10 mph (17 km/h). On this track the eye of Matthew will move over the Windward Passage and eastern Cuba today. A turn toward the north-northwest is expected by Wednesday, followed by a northwest turn Wednesday night. Matthew is expected to move near or over portions of the southeastern and central Bahamas tonight and Wednesday, and approach the northwestern
Bahamas Wednesday night.

Maximum sustained winds remain near 145 mph (230 km/h) with higher gusts.
Matthew is a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Some fluctuations in intensity are possible during the next couple of days, but Matthew is expected to remain a powerful hurricane through at least Wednesday night.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 60 miles (95 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 185 miles (295 km).

The estimated minimum central pressure is 950 mb (28.06 inches).

•The official track has shifted slightly to the west, placing the area well within the 5 Day forecast cone. The threat continues to increase along the Carolina Coast.

•All residents should begin taking initial preparation steps today. Be ready to ramp-up your preparation efforts in coming days to prepare for potential impacts from Hurricane Matthew’s approach at the end of the week.

•Some uncertainty remains, but overall there is general agreement within the models bringing Matthew to, or near, the Carolina coast at the end of the week as a strong to possibly major hurricane (Cat 2 or 3)

•It is plausible that tropical storm and hurricane force wind, surge, and flood impacts could occur at the end of the week as Matthew makes its closest approach to the area. Impacts would be greatest on Saturday given the current forecast.

•This storm is expected to produce 5-10 inches of rainfall. Given the fact that most areas in our vicinity are 150-200% above normal for rainfall totals at the present time, flash flooding is possible.

•Specific details on impacts are difficult to determine at this time with the uncertainty in the track, however, given the latest advisory a possibility exists for high impacts.

•Marine/Coastal – Extreme impacts are possible with very large waves, dangerous boating/shipping and surf conditions, and the potential for significant erosion. Inlet entrances will be especially hazardous as well.

•Wind – A direct, or near hit, would bring high wind impacts to the area with the potential for some structural and roof damage, downed trees and power lines with widespread/lengthy power outages. Wind impacts would be less if the storm tracks farther off the coast.

•Surge – A direct, or near hit, would bring high surge impacts to the area with the potential for storm surge inundation accentuated by large battering waves. Any inundation would impact vulnerable low-lying homes along the coast. Sections of coastal roads could become flooded & aids to navigation may become off station or missing.

•Flooding – Many areas are saturated from recent heavy rainfall. Additional heavy rainfall would lead to flash flooding. Some rivers and streams may rapidly overflow their banks. Many roads may become flooded as well, with the potential for road failures. The delivery of drinking water and sewer services may be impacted.

•Tornado – The occurrence of a few tornadoes can affect preparedness actions during tropical events. They can cause structural damage, trees to snap or become uprooted, power outages, and communications failures.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO OCEAN ISLE BEACH PROPERTY OWNERS
It is anticipated the Town will declare a State of Emergency within the next few days. It is important that you stay informed in regards to this storm.

Please remember to affix your property decal to your vehicle in order to regain entry to the island in the event of an evacuation. NOTE: According to Town ordinance decals will no longer be issued upon declaration of State of Emergency or within 48 hours of impending landfall of a storm.

Please begin to make preparations for this storm and be prepared. This site will be updated periodically as new information is available